Going to school on the East Coast from the Midwest is a big change, and there are some sure signs that you'll recognize if you make that cross-country trek.
1. The Patriots are wildly irrelevant to you.
You don’t really get the hype about Tom Brady and are still confused as to why they didn’t get in trouble for deflating the footballs.
2. When everyone is talking about which city in Massachusetts they’re from, you nod along like you know where these place are but actually have no clue.
Oh, no way?! I’m from west of Boston too! Like way, way west.
3. Everyone goes home for Columbus Day, and you tag along with your roommate.
By mid-October, you’re probably itching for a dose of Midwestern charm, but unfortunately, chances are you can’t make the trip home for just three days. Until Thanksgiving, heartland!
4. You’ve realized that many people are unfamiliar with Midwestern geography.
Actual thing someone asked me: “You’re from Wisconsin! That’s near Texas, right?” No. No it is not.
5. You are a rarity.
Chances are that you are the only one of your friends who is not from New England. You quickly become the token Midwesterner and you secretly love it.
6. A significant number of your friends from home go to the Big 10 school in your state.
As much as you love your East Coast college, visiting your high school friends’ college for a football game is a highlight of your year.
7. You’ve invited practically everyone you’ve met to come visit you over the summer.
The chances anyone makes the trek out to Wisconsin is pretty slim, so the more people I invite the more likely someone will come to The Dairy Land, right?!
8. You were the only one from your high school to come to your school.
Everyone on your floor knew other people from their hometowns, but you were a lone ranger.
9. Everyone immediately asks if you grew up on a farm when you tell them you’re from the Midwest.
You aggressively deny, insisting the town you’re from is actually pretty urban. Then you remember that if you drive 20 minutes from your house, you’re in the middle of a cornfield…
10. Although your heart will always belong to the Midwest, you’ve grown to love the East Coast almost as much.
